Women’s football

HOMEGROWN Chelsea star Aggie Beever-Jones admits it has sometimes been hard to break away from the academy kid tag.However the striker, 21, has emerged as a key player for the eight-time WSL champions. Aggie Beever-Jones says the chance of playing in an FA Cup final at Wembley for Chelsea would be a dream trueCredit: GettyThe Blues striker hopes to help her side, who have featured in eight finals previously, win the trophy for the sixth timeCredit: GettyBeever-Jones took part in a football coaching session for girls hosted by McDonalds six days before Chelsea’s FA Cup final clash with Manchester UnitedCredit: PALast May Beever-Jones’ old boss Emma Hayes described the player as the future of Chelsea. She has certainly come a long way since Hayes handed her a senior debut during a 4-0 defeat of Aston Villa in January 2021. And, ahead of today’s FA Cup final showdown with Manchester United, she spoke of wanting to be a role model for young stars coming through the ranks.The Blues star said: “I’m proud to have come from the academy.Read More Football Stories“Being that academy kid, I feel like I have that label and sometimes it’s hard to break away from. “I hope that the academy kids know that they can come to me and have an arm around them.It’s something I’m really proud of – being able to play for the club that I’ve watched, grown up playing for and that my family love.”Beever-Jones’s nine top-flight goals contributed to 22 matches played without defeat during their invincible WSL run this season. Most read in FootballWith that milestone complete Beever-Jones has set her sights on another target. That’s starring in an FA Cup final at Wembley for the first time in her career with Chelsea aiming to overcome holders Man United. Sonia Bompastor’s side also lifted the League Cup, meaning victory at Wembley would complete a domestic treble, something that they have not achieved for four years.Beever-Jones added: “Being able to play at Wembley in an FA Cup final would be an absolute dream. “I have never played there for Chelsea. It’s going to be a tough match against Man United.“Being holders, they’ve got a point to prove. They want to retain that and equally we want to bring it back home for us.”With all tickets for today’s clash sold out, a record crowd is expected at the 90,000-capacity stadium for Chelsea’s clash with Marc Skinner’s side. The last cup final clash between both teams at Wembley, in May 2023 attracted a then record crowd of  77,390, the Blues sealing a 1-0 win.United, who trounced Tottenham 4-0 in last year’s decider, are competing in the final for a third year in a row. Among those who hope to see Surrey-born Beever-Jones feature are her family who have supported her rise to the top of the game. A journey that began with her playing grassroots football in a boys’ team in a Sunday Little League in Merton, South London.  The Surrey-born striker adds: “I spent a lot of my childhood just playing in a grass field with my boy best friends. “Then I was lucky enough to get scouted and go into the Chelsea pathway. “My family is such a big part of it including my mum and my sister who is a midwife at the hospital that we were both born at.“I feel really lucky to have had the opportunities I had when I was growing up and get given the opportunity to play football.”Helping girls access opportunities to play football is something Beever-Jones is passionate about. Six days ago she visited the home of seventh tier men’s side Hanwell FC to help coach 100 girls taking part in a McDonalds Fun Football session. She said: “It was so nice to be able to go there  and see the young girls playing football with other girls. “Hopefully it shows the way the game’s going and where it can go.”Beyond a dream end to this term and her hope to help Chelsea add an FA Cup to their League Cup and WSL title triumph, Beever-Jones has hopes of making into England’s squad for this year’s Euros. Last month the striker scored her first senior goal in an England shirt when she came off the bench to turn the ball home in the second half of a 5-0 Nations League defeat of Belgium. But while she has hopes of earning in Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses squad for the Euros in Switzerland, her focus at present is on helping Chelsea win a domestic treble. Beever-Jones added:  “It would be an absolute dream. For me, it’s the aim and I’m just focusing on making Sarina happy and delivering what she wants from me. But we’ve still got one game left to go in the season.  I think we’ve still got one game left to go in the season.While Beever-Jones is has hopes of being named in England’s squad for the Women’s Euros, her focus is on helping Chelsea seal a domestic trophy treble winCredit: Getty”I want to end on a high and hopefully keeping Sonia happy as well. Read More on The Sun“I always say I believe everything will fall into place if you work for it. “I’ve just got to keep training and doing what I can and hopefully, who sees what happens.” More

MELVINE MALARD will be forever grateful to Sonia Bompastor for taking a chance on her.But the Manchester United ace still wants to thwart her former Lyon mentor’s FA Cup dream. Having helped Man United secure a place in next season’s Champions League Melvine Malard is targeting FA Cup glory with the clubCredit: GettyThe France forward enjoyed silverware success with Sonia Bompastor she managed by her at LyonCredit: GettyMalard and her United team-mates hope to win the FA Cup for a second time in a row but have never beaten Chelsea in a Cup final beforeCredit: GettyMalard, 24, worked under Chelsea boss Bompastor for much of her nine seasons at Lyon.The forward came through the ranks under Bompastor’s guidance at the French club before they went on to win two top-flight titles in France and the Champions League together in 2022.But there will be no time for nostalgia in today’s final at Wembley when holders United face WSL champions Chelsea, who are chasing a domestic treble.Malard said: “It’s because of Sonia that I played football in France. Now I’m in England, it’s partly because Sonia took me on and gave me a chance.Read More Football Stories”She was a big boss for Lyon when I was there playing for them. “I’m so excited to play at Wembley against her. “Here in England, the game is so intense and the players are very strong.”Chelsea are the top team in the league with one of my best coaches. “They have got a very good team because they have a very good coach.”Bompastor’s Chelsea’s Invincibles went through the entire 22-game WSL season unbeaten dropping just six points and winning the League Cup too. Most read in FootballThat means the Red Devils are tasked with trying to become the first team to beat them on the domestic stage this term.The Blues’ current run stands at an astonishing 32 matches without defeat, stretching back to 2023-24.Yet Malard is hoping to create her own piece of history as United, who finished third in the league, chase back-to-back FA Cup wins for the first time after thumping Tottenham 4-0 a year ago.She said: “This is the page and history that we need to write. “This is three times in a row we’ve got to the FA Cup final. “Who are the teams doing that right now? “It’s us. But we need to put that in the history and enjoy our football. “This is a year where we’ve also qualified for the Champions League for next season. Now we need to just enjoy this final.””Malard has become a popular member of United’s dressing room since arriving from Lyon last July.And United boss Marc Skinner reckons the France forward’s vibrancy has been key this season.That was on full display when her equaliser in the 2-2 Manchester derby draw at Old Trafford secured United’s place in the Champions League next season.Skinner said: “We all need to embrace our inner Melvine. “She takes on the challenge of what’s ahead of her with this smile and this energy. Man United lifted the Women’s FA Cup for the first time last year when they defeated TottenhamCredit: PA”Melvine has shown a lot more of that this year. Read More on The Sun“Last season she was trying to find out who she was in our team.”But that energy for someone still so young has been a massive driving factor this year.” More

SONIA BOMPASTOR reckons Alexis Ohanian’s decision to buy a stake  in WSL champions Chelsea, is a positive move for the women’s game.And the Blues chief hopes the Reddit co-founder’s move will encourage others to invest in the sport in England. Sonia Bompastor hopes Alexis Ohanian buying a stake in Chelsea will lead to more investment in the WSLCredit: PAThe American businessman’s decision to buy a ten per cent stake has been hailed as a landmark moment for Chelsea WomenCredit: APOhanian is set to be at Wembley to watch Bompastor’s players in action with the Blues hoping to add an FA Cup win to their League Cup and WSL title triumphCredit: ReutersThe France-born coach, 44, was speaking earlier today, a day after The Times reported the internet had entrepreneur purchased a ten per cent stake worth around £20million in their women’s side.Along with tennis legend wife Serena Williams, Ohanian is also an investor in US women’s outfit Angel City. His also the largest shareholder of the National Women’s Soccer League side whose founders include actor and film star Natalie Portman.    The USA-born multimillionaire, 42, and Williams, 43, are due to visit Wembley on Sunday, to watch Chelsea in action against Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup final. Read More Football StoriesOf his backing Bompastor said: “That’s really important for the women’s game, but also for England to have someone who invests in a team like Chelsea.”This investment is game-changing for the women’s game, but also for young girls. “We want to be one of the best teams in the world in terms of results on the pitch, but also we want to be a model off the pitch. “We want to make sure when young girls look at our team, they dream of being one of our players for the future.Most read in Football”We want to be the team that shows every other team how you need to perform and how you need to invest in the women’s game. “Hopefully this example will bring some other people who will invest in women’s teams in this league.”Earlier today Ohanian posted a picture via his official account social media platform X featuring a Chelsea shirt.The Blues jersey featured the number 776 on the back in reference to the name of a tech venture capital firm established by the American businessman in September 2020. Today Chelsea Women chief executive Aki Mandhar described Ohanian’s move as a “landmark day” for the team and for women’s football in Europe and beyond. Mandhar added: “This investment is validation of the club’s past success. “More importantly it is yet another proof point in the market of the persistent growth and potential of women’s football. “We continue to lead the way, on and off the pitch, for players and for our fans and brands, empowering and inspiring future athletes and the next generation of sports fans. “As a club, we are unapologetically ambitious. “This investment is proof that the opportunities for growth in the business of women’s football are endless.”When the Chelsea boss was asked her thoughts why Ohanian invested she added: “We are the best. Simple. The results help a lot.”This Sunday Chelsea will attempt to seal a trophy treble win with United targeting back-to-back triumphs following their first Cup final victory last year. Bompastor said: “We know we are facing a really strong team, so we’ll be ready for that.Man United are targeting back-to-back FA Cup wins in their third successive appearance in the contest’s finalCredit: Getty”We feel ready going into this final, but it will be a really special moment.Read More on The Sun”I heard maybe 80,000 tickets were sold. “Just to have the opportunity to play in that stadium in front of an almost sold-out crowd will be the perfect end to a season, if we win.” More

THE husband of tennis legend Serena Williams has purchased a 10 per cent stake in Chelsea Women.Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of social media platform Reddit, has invested £20million in the deal.Serena Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, has bought a 10 per cent stake in Chelsea WomenCredit: GettyOhanian will be fully focussed on the women’s teamCredit: GettyChelsea Women are currently valued at £200m, making them the most expensive women’s team in the world.The Times report that Ohanian will now take a seat on the board, with all of his investment going solely to the women’s team.Williams, who won 23 grand slams in her incredible tennis career, is also set to be engaged in the club.The couple are expected to be at Wembley with their family on Sunday as Chelsea face Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup final.READ MORE ON CHELSEASonia Bompastor and Co are hoping to secure the domestic treble having already won the Women’s Super League and the Subway Women’s League Cup.Chelsea officials announced last year that the women’s team would become a separate entity to the men’s.They sold the team to THEMSELVES for around £200m to avoid a Premier League PSR charge.It means that Ohanian’s investment is great news for club owner Todd Boehly.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeThe Reddit founder allegedly views Chelsea and Barcelona as the biggest women’s clubs in Europe.Chelsea went invincible in the WSL this season with 19 wins and just three draws.Chaos at Stamford Bridge as Djurgarden fans jump over barriers and clash in away end against ChelseaThey also became the first team in the league to hit 60 points in a season.However, they missed out on the Champions League after suffering an 8-2 defeat on aggregate to Barcelona in the semi-finals.Chelsea won the WSL title for a sixth straight year earlier this monthCredit: Getty More

FROM a few surprise managerial departures to Chelsea making Naomi Girma the WSL’s first million dollar signing, this season has been eventful. While the battle for the title and top-flight survival have been settled, today could see champions Chelsea go unbeaten. Sonia Bompastor hopes to guide her side to their 19th win in 22 games thisCredit: GettyThe Blues aim to round off their march to a sixth straight title win by going this termCredit: GettyAhead of the 12:30pm kick-off of the final six games that will wrap up this season, here is a brief look at how teams have fared this term.Chelsea While Champions League glory has eluded them, domestically Chelsea have been almost unstoppable this term. A home win or draw against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge today would see Sonia Bompastor’s side achieve their goal of an invincible run.  The team, who will be given a guard of honour from their visitors, would also become the first to complete 22 games without defeat in the WSL. Read More Football StoriesFor Bompastor the opportunity to create history in her first season at the Blues’ helm would be one of the highlights of her stellar career. Ahead of today’s game the Blues boss said: “It means a lot because probably it will be the only time in my career to be in that situation. “In the women’s or men’s game when the team is able to achieve that, they stay in history as I already said. “I’m thinking about Arsenal, the men’s team, when they have been invincible. People always talk about it.Most read in Football”When you have this opportunity being that close to make history, you just need to make sure you do that because it will stay forever. “I think even for your kids later to have this history to tell to some other people, it would be nice.”While Chelsea could end this term with 60 points than they did last season, not all their displays have been completely flawless. West Ham fought from 2-0 down to claim an away draw the champions with Brighton and Leicester also bagging points.However the champions have been very more tenacious in their capturing of silverware with a league and title double achieved. And they hope to make it a treble when they face Man United in this year’s Women’s FA Cup Renee Slegers’ players will be eager to bounce back from two losses in a row by beating Man UnitedCredit: GettyArsenalFollowing early season wobbles and Jonas Eidevall’s standing down as Gunners boss last October, Arsenal have been mostly impressive under Renee Slegers. With Slegers at the helm the team went on a 13-game unbeaten run earlier this term that was halted by 1-0 loss to Chelsea at the end of January. In the Champions League they have been comeback queens overcoming two and one-goal deficits to knock out Real Madrid and Lyon in the quarters and semi-finals. While Arsenal will battle in the final for the first time in 18 years, the team with the most FA Cup and League Cup wins bowed out of both contests this term. For the first time in three years a Women’s League Cup decider did not feature the Gunners.And surprise losses to Aston Villa and Brighton included them shipping nine goals in their last two WSL games.Against Manchester United at the Emirates today in their final league match this season they will be keen to prove those results  were a blip. Victory today would seal a second spot for Arsenal and their highest finish in the league since the 2021-22 campaign.  A Man United win against Arsenal would see them end their WSL season in second place before their FA Cup final clash with ChelseaCredit: ReutersManchester UnitedFollowing the disappointment of missing out Champions League action this season, Man United have achieved their target of claiming a place in next term’s contest. Defeat of Arsenal at the Emirates today would see the Red Devils end this term second in the top tier for the second time in their history. It would also be a considerable improvement on the fifth place finish that led to Marc Skinner facing criticism from some United supporters. His side have one of the best defensive records in the league this term with Phallon Tullis-Joyce shining in goal. Ahead of United’s Arsenal visit the USA shot stopper has kept 13 clean sheets in 21 top-flight games. Having missed out on a Champions League spot Man City are a targeting an end-of-season hope win before competing in the World Sevens tournament this monthCredit: GettyManchester City Injury struggles derailed Man City’s trophy chase this season with star striker Khadija Shaw among the players currently sidelined.The team pipped to last term’s title on goal difference was among the favourites to push Chelsea all the way. They are currently the only team to have beaten Barcelona in Europe this term. However the high of that 2-0 group stage October win has been followed by some tumultuous moments. These include Chloe Kelly’s loan transfer to Arsenal and the sacking of boss Gareth Taylor Having suffered Champions League and FA Cup heartbreak, the Cityzens are eager to end this term with a home win against Crystal Palace.This month along with Man United they will be competing in the megabucks inaugural seven-a-side tournament World Sevens. Brighton are on course to claim fifth spot which would be their highest finish so far in the WSLCredit: GettyBrightonUNDER Dario Vidosic Brighton look set to achieve their highest ever finish in the league.The head coach, who has previously spoken of his admiration of the playing style of Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona sides, has revamped Brighton.The team’s expansive style has earned them plaudits with Fran Kirby, Nikita Parris, Vicky Losada, Marisa Olislagers among the players who have impressedMichelle Agyemang, on loan from Arsenal and midfielder Maisie Symonds have also shone for the Seagulls. Albion have at times been punished playing out from the back, with their heaviest loss this term occurring at Arsenal last November when they were beaten However this week saw Albion get revenge with their 4-2 defeat of the Gunners in their final home game this term. Their first defeat of Arsenal in the WSL has put them on course for their highest finish with the team in fifth spot. Canada forward Olivia Smith has been one of Liverpool’s most impressive players this seasonCredit: GettyLiverpoolMATT BEARD’s March exit from the Reds’ helm came as a surprise to some WSL observers. Before being axed from his job the ex-Liverpool gaffer had expressed concerns in regard to investment and budget for the team. Interim women’s team boss Amber Whiteley has been doing a solid job overseeing the side who hope to end a run of three losses. Highlights this season include their solid 3-1 defeat of Man United at Anfield in March.Gifted Canada forward Olivia Smith was among their best performers in that game scoring twice. Away from WSL action they knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup and gave Chelsea a run for their money in the semi-finals before falling to a narrow 2-1 defeat. Having finished fourth last term, the Reds hope to drop no lower than sixth this season.Rehanne Skinner’s Irons have had some solid results in the second half of the season including a 2-2 draw away at ChelseaCredit: AlamyWest Ham Rehanne Skinner’s Irons have had a stunning turnaround to their season. Their upturn in form has been followed by the experienced head coach signing a one-year contract extension last month. In late March West Ham were in a relegation scrap and second from bottom following a 2-0 home loss to Chelsea. Since then the Irons resurgence has been remarkable with the team sitting seventh and unbeaten in six of their last eight games. The signing of Shekiera Martinez last July from Freiburg has proved to be a masterstroke.The Germany Under-23 striker has scored 10 goals in 11 WSL appearances.  Defeat of Leicester, if Chelsea beat Liverpool, would see the Irons claim sixth spot, their highest league finish in three years.  Everton hope to build on their impressive 2-0 defeat of Liverpool at Anfield by beating Tottenham at home todayCredit: GettyEvertonTHE Toffees have struggled with injuries at times this term with seven players including experienced midfielder Maren Mjelde currently sidelined. Fitness concerns aside Brian Sorensen’s players have impressed in the second half of this season. Standout results include a 2-1 home defeat of Man City last December and a derby triumph over Liverpool at Anfield last Sunday. Twins Karen and Sara Holmgaard have been among their side’s most impressive performers in this campaignHigh points include Sara providing Karen with an assist during Everton’s 2-1 draw with City last month. Aston Villa have scored eight goals in their last two games ahead of their end-of-season clash with BrightonCredit: GettyAston Villa Natalia Arroyo’s side look set for a strong finish after a topsy turvy season which included a managerial sacking.The Villans parted company with head coach Robert de Pauw last December following a  tough run of one win in nine games The team faced a fierce fight for WSL after a run of seven winless games from January 25 to March 23.However the team have been on a roll since then with four straight victories and Arroyo winning April’s WSL manager of the month award. Their dramatic recovery was capped by a 5-2 trouncing of Arsenal last month. With Villa bidding farewell to Rachel Corsie, Jordan Nobbs, Danielle Turner and Maz Pacheco, they will be keen to end this season with a home win against Brighton.Tottenham will be keen to avoid an end-of-season loss away against Everton having been narrowly beaten Chelsea last time outCredit: PATottenham Compared to their achievements last term, including an FA Cup final debut, Tottenham have had it tough at times this season. A difficult run from February 2 this year has left Robert Vilahamn’s side on the verge of going winless in 10 games. These results have also left his side tenth – four places lower than their sixth-place finish last term. Vilahamn will want Spurs to avoid an unwanted milestone when they visit Everton today.They hope to avoid losing on the last day of the season for the first time in their WSL history. Leicester City could end their season in tenth spot if Tottenham are beaten by EvertonCredit: GettyLeicester CityGritty performances against their rivals in the bottom half of the table helped Leicester survive their battle to avoid the dropThe team are currently seven points above relegated Crystal Palace who they drew with last time out. While they struggled earlier this term, going winless in their first six games, they gathered a bit of momentum in the season’s second half. Among their players who have impressed are skipper Janice Cayman and Wales forward Hannah Cain. High points for their team include them claiming a draw last December against eventual champions Chelsea. A result that led to the Foxes ending the champions’ 13-game winning run at that stage of the season. Crystal Palace face a toughduel with Man City in their final game as a WSL side Women’s Championship nextCredit: GettyCrystal Palace While their two opening WSL encounters ended in brutal 4-0 and 7-0 losses (to Tottenham and Chelsea), Palace occasionally showed they could hold their own The now-relegated Eagles, guided to the top tier by Laura Kaminski, were seen as strong favourites for the drop. However a defeat of Leicester last October followed by draws with Liverpool and Everton suggested they could be a threat to rivals in the lower half of the table Read More on The SunThe sacking of head coach Kaminski in late February was followed by the Eagles picking up one win and a draw from their next seven games. Under boss Leif Smerud the team were unable to build on an impressive March defeat of Aston Villa losing their next five matches.  More